Srilankan history (Anuradhapura Kingdom-3)
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES
This method of farming was done in the land closer to rivers, tanks and were irrigated water was available (image 12) Fields were mainly wet lands with fertile soil. Evidently in the lands where water was available in the growing seasons of the year, two paddy harvests had been reaped. Memmoty, plough and hoes were evidently used for cultivation. 12 image  |
||
This method was utilized in areas where water was scarce and irrigation was not possible. Agriculture on these lands was depending on rain fall. A special variety of paddy was cultivated in dry lands. Also sesame, mung seeds, gingerly, melon, cucumber and many vegetables were cultivated. Mahavamsa confirms that dry land farming or shifting agriculture was thriving during those days. Mostly this was done on high lands, clearing jungle.(image 13)
13 image .jpg) |
Recollect what you learnt earlier about the Era of the Shepherd. There was an important place for livestock farming in our country, since it is directly connected to farming from early times. A wealthy farmer had paddy fields. A wealthy farmer had paddy fields. Also he possessed cattle. The workers who tended the cattle. The workers who tended the cattle were known as shepherds. Cows, bulls and buffaloes were utilized in farmland activities. With the advent of Buddhism consumption of beef was considered a disgusting act. Various delicacies were made out of milk. They were known as ‘Pasgorasa’(image 14)
14 image  |
|
